Tuesday morning 05.45, camera and tripod all ready and set up at window. Photograph red squirrel, woodpigeon, chaffinch and jackdaws. 06.15 time for breakfast before heading off to work.
Wednesday morning 05.45. All normal, red squirrel at box feeder, chaffinches
and woodpigeons in garden. 05.56, red squirrel very alert on top of feeder. Be afraid, be very afraid! Within seconds squirrel at top of telegraph pole and off into birch trees.It is still a bit dark but suddenly the camera is firing at 5 frames a second as something dark and brown appears at the feeder, the pine marten is back and this time I'm ready! Time 05.58.
Within seconds its head is in the box and in the background a few chaffinches are alarm calling. Looking at the pictures later I can see that the marten turns to its left and snarls at something. Head back in the box and then it turns to its right, again snarling at something.
I suddenly realise that I am shaking, half asleep, over excited, who knows, but watching this deadly predator at reasonably close quarters is a real privilege, and despite having "bumped" into several over the years, this is the first time that I have been able to watch one so closely. Amazing.
Short and sweet, but I thought you would like to share this amazing moment.
06.01 - end of encounter.
Best wishes
Stewart & Janet
All photos © Stewart Taylor
